Individual Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
Specialized support for living well with bipolar disorder
Expert Care from Someone Who's Been There
Living with bipolar disorder means navigating intense mood episodes, managing medication side effects, rebuilding after episodes, and doing the daily work of staying stable. Living with bipolar disorder means navigating intense mood episodes, managing medication side effects, rebuilding after episodes, and doing the daily work of staying stable. Generic therapy falls short. This is specialized support from someone who understands bipolar disorder both professionally and personally.
I’m Yuval Dinary, a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who lives with bipolar I disorder myself. I’ve experienced the manic episodes, depressive crashes, and psychotic features that many of my clients face. That lived experience, combined with specialized training in mood disorders, allows me to offer therapy that’s both deeply empathetic and clinically informed.
What We Focus On in Therapy
Every person’s experience with bipolar disorder is different, so therapy is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Common areas we work on include:
Understanding Your Patterns
Learning to recognize your unique early warning signs for manic and depressive episodes. What are your personal triggers? What does hypomania look like for you before it escalates? When depression starts creeping in, what's the first thing that changes?
Mood Monitoring & Routine Building
Creating daily structures that support stability. This includes sleep hygiene, activity scheduling, and tracking patterns that help you gain insight and make informed decisions.
Managing Medication & Side Effects
Navigating the reality of psychiatric medication - weight gain, cognitive fog, sexual side effects, the temptation to stop taking it when you feel good. We'll work on strategies to manage side effects and work with your medication, not against it.
Crisis Prevention Planning
Developing a concrete plan for what to do when you notice warning signs. Who do you call? What steps do you take? How do you intervene early before a full episode develops?
Rebuilding After Episodes
Processing what happened during a manic or depressive episode. Repairing relationships, managing shame and regret, rebuilding trust with yourself and others, and creating a path forward.
Psychosis Integration & Processing
If you've experienced psychotic features, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or breaks from reality, we'll work on making sense of what happened, integrating these experiences into your understanding of yourself.
Tools for Stability
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to recognize and shift thought patterns during mood episodes, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to manage emotional intensity and impulsive urges, and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to regulate sleep and daily routines - critical factors in preventing both manic and depressive episodes.
Identity Beyond Diagnosis
You are not your bipolar disorder. Therapy helps you build a life you choose - not one dictated by your diagnosis. What do you want your life to look like? What goals and dreams matter to you?
Why Specialized Bipolar Therapy Matters
I've Been There
I was diagnosed with early-onset bipolar I and have lived through the psychotic manic episodes and depressive crashes that many of my clients face. I know what it's like to navigate medication side effects, rebuild after an episode, and do the daily work of staying stable. I understand this disorder inside-out - personally and professionally.
Exclusive Focus on Bipolar Disorder
Unlike generalist therapists who treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and everything else, I specialize exclusively in bipolar disorder. Every study I look at, every course I take, every clinical resource I read is focused on better serving people with bipolar disorder. This isn't one specialty among many - it's my sole focus.
Evidence-Based & Practical
Therapy combines the latest research on bipolar disorder with practical, real-world strategies. You won't just talk about your feelings - you'll leave sessions with concrete tools, plans, and skills you can use immediately.
Understanding the Full Picture
Bipolar disorder doesn't exist in isolation. We'll address how it affects your relationships, career, identity, medication adherence, substance use, sleep, and daily functioning. Holistic care that sees you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.
What Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy help with bipolar disorder if I'm not on medication?
Therapy is an essential part of treatment, but for most people with bipolar disorder, it’s most effective alongside medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. Therapy provides crucial skills for managing symptoms, understanding triggers, and building sustainable wellness practices.
How long are sessions and what's the cost?
50-minute virtual sessions, $200 each.
How often would we meet?
This depends on your needs and goals. Most clients meet weekly, especially when starting therapy or working through instability. As you build skills and stability, we might shift to biweekly sessions. The ultimate goal is reaching a point where monthly check-ins are enough to maintain your progress and catch any early warning signs.
What if we're not a good fit?
Not every therapist is right for every person, and that’s okay. If after a few sessions you feel like we’re not connecting or my approach isn’t working for you, we can discuss it openly. I can provide referrals to other therapists who might be a better match.
Is everything I share confidential?
Yes, with standard exceptions: if you’re at imminent risk of harming yourself or someone else, or if there’s suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Otherwise, what you share stays between us. All sessions are PHIPA-compliant.
What's your cancellation policy?
Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) or no-shows are charged the full session fee. If you cancel or no-show for the free introductory call, there’s a $75 fee. Life happens, and I understand emergencies come up -just communicate with me as soon as you can.
Does insurance cover therapy for bipolar disorder?
If your insurance plan covers Registered Social Workers (RSW), then yes. All of my insured clients have been successfully reimbursed, but coverage varies by plan. OHIP does not cover private psychotherapy. Receipts are provided for all sessions for insurance reimbursement. It is your responsibility to verify coverage with your provider before booking.
Do I have to be in Ontario for virtual therapy?
Yes. You must be physically located in Ontario during all sessions. I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and can only provide services to Ontario residents.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a free 15-minute call or schedule your first session here.
Have questions, or located outside Ontario? Reach out: info@yuvaldinary.com